JULY 13-23: Annual International Puppet Festival - Huamantla, Tlaxcala A time-honored tradition in Mexico, more than 15 cities in the state of Tlaxcala will be hosting this festival. For two weeks, a multitude of puppeteers and puppets of all colors, shapes and sizes will invade Mexico's smallest state. Performers come from Spain, Colombia, Cuba, Hungary and numerous other states in Mexico.

JULY 14-23: Nueva Paquime Festival - Casas Grandes, Chihuahua This festival, taking place in Casas Grandes, just outside the renowned Paquime archaeological site (declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1998), is a celebration of the heritage and cultures of northern Mexico, featuring, parades, art contests, concerts, poetry readings, childrenâs workshops and much more.

JULY 17-24: Guelaguetza - Oaxaca, Oaxaca State Dating back to prehispanic times when the festival was offered to the gods in hopes of a bountiful harvest, this event brings together delegations from the region's seven indigenous cultures. Traditional songs and dances are performed by each group, and objects and handicrafts typical to each region are also on display.

JULY 23-27: International Film Festival, Short Expression - Guanajuato, Guanajuato State An annual film festival showcasing short films and documentaries and awarding the creators of outstanding films with the materials and equipment needed to continue their art. Every year, a country is spotlighted at the festival as the special guest of honor, with a variety of activities that provide a deeper look into the film culture, history and contemporary trends of the guest country. This year, France is the special guest of honor. www.expresionencorto.com.

JULY 25: Day of St James the Apostle - Santiago Tuxtla, Mexico On the Day of St James the Apostle, representatives of the local indigenous populations dress in ceremonial costumes and dance in honour of St James. This is a fun and colourful event that provides visitors with a great opportunity to experience the vibrancy of religious ceremonies in Mexico.

JULY 26: National Sarape Fair - Santa Ana Chiautempan, Tlaxcala The renowned rectangular âsarapeâ shawls, one of Mexicoâs traditional textile handicrafts, are spotlighted every year at this annual fair.

JULY 29-AUG 12: International Chamber Music Festival - San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato A classical music festival to bid farewell to the summer, featuring award-winning international ensembles, guest musicians and local artists performing in the cityâs beautiful open gardens and the grand gothic cathedral.